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Book Review
Sturmgeschutz III In Combat

by: Vinnie Branigan [ TEACHER ]

introduction
Tankograd Publishing have rapidly made a name for themselves in the sphere of Modelling and Vehicle reference titles. To say they have been successful is an understatement. Many modellers and enthusiasts hold them in high esteem. Their publications are not just excellent, but timely too.............as can be seen with this title, Sturmgeschutz in Combat.


the content
The book is complete with full German and English text. It's not for the person who requires a full and exhaustive history of the StuG III, since most of the book consists of captioned photographs, but that's not it's purpose. From a modeller's point of view........it's pretty much perfect. There is a history of the vehicle contained within the first eight pages. From it's first conception as the Infantry's 'own' tank, through it's development and all the different Ausfuhrungs, and mentioning the Sturmhaubitze 42, the first section gives the reader a pretty good idea of the vehicles history, purpose and development, although of course for a thoroughly detailed history of the vehicle more references should be sought.

After the text at the beginning of the book there is a one page chart describing the differences between Ausfhurungs, and then on to the meat of the book...........the captioned photographs.

One hundred and nine black and white photographs of the StuG III in action, across all fronts. Most of which I've never seen before. Mostly, two or three to a page, and mostly very clear, the photographs are individually captioned in both German and English text, drawing the reader's attention to the salient points of each photograph. There are some extremely interesting photographs in this book! For example, a StuG III A or B, it's deck filled with riders, crossing a bridge clearly marked 16ton................. that's the 'before' picture, I'd love to see the 'after one! Or how about a StuG III with kill markings on it's barrel? Several examples of StuG III are shown with Ostketten, the special extensions to the tracks that were used to reduce ground pressure on the Eastern Front, and many of the photographs show unusual arrangements of stowage such as motorcycles etc.


in conclusion
What with Osprey's recently released book on modelling the StuG III, and Dragon's soon to be released StuG, this book from Tankograd could not have been published at a better time. It really does shed light on the development and history of the vehicle, it's variants and particularly it's combat use during WWII. The photographs will inspire you with ideas for your next model, and you'll probably find yourself wanting to build many more than just one! Highly recommended.

SUMMARY
A superb publication, superbly timed! A fairly detailed look at the history and development of the Sturmgeschutz III and it's different variants, followed by a gold-mine of clear, well-captioned photographs showing the Sturmgeschutz in combat on all fronts during WWII, which will inspire the modeller to try and model many of them I'm sure!
  HISTORY:90%
  PHOTOGRAPHS:96%
  CAPTIONS:96%
Percentage Rating
94%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 4007
  Related Link: Tankograd Publishing
  PUBLISHED: Nov 30, 2006
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.97%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.19%

Our Thanks to Tankograd Publishing!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Vinnie Branigan (Teacher)
FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Copyright ©2021 text by Vinnie Branigan [ TEACHER ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review! Another Stug III book to add to the list!
NOV 29, 2006 - 04:52 PM
Nice one Vinnie Another one to add to my xmas must have list(SWMBO'S Amazon account :-) :-) ) Andy
NOV 29, 2006 - 09:55 PM
Oooooh you bar steward,now after reading reviews on this and the Osprey book,I'll not be able to live anymore until I've bought both books! "Oh SWMBO,I know what I want for a Xmas prezzie". Regards.....Dave.
NOV 29, 2006 - 10:19 PM
Another great reference for StuG III lovers Looks like its an essential companion to the Osprey "Modelling the StuG III" :-)
NOV 29, 2006 - 10:30 PM
Thanks for the review. I've got one question, does the book feature a clear pic of the Stug III G early as depicted by Tamiya? (80mm nose armour, pressed steel fender supports, welded mantlet, etc) Thanks in advance.
NOV 30, 2006 - 02:41 AM
I love Stugs! There, I said it. I don't care who hears it!!! Love the review. I wish Amazon carried Tankograd books. Gonna go search this one out... Happy Holidays. Michael PS Stugs are cool
DEC 24, 2006 - 07:56 PM
Yes Michael, Stugs are cool! I have one and one of these days, I think I will build it! Now to find that book! Happy Holidays, Gary
DEC 24, 2006 - 09:21 PM
Oh yes,just bought the book,what a beauty.This is how ref books should be IMHO. Dave.
DEC 29, 2006 - 11:56 PM
   
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